Rajah & Tann Asia has one of the largest labour and employment teams in Singapore. It is noted for domestic and regional ASEAN engagements, along with international matters through its extensive global connections and membership of Ius Laboris, the global labour and employment legal network. The firm advises numerous multinationals on employment policies and human resources reviews, along with negotiations with trade unions. It is a leader in representing clients in employment disputes, and grievance and disciplinary processes. It also has a fine record in investigations, and retrenchment and restructuring exercises. Desmond Wee heads the non-contentious side of the practice, notably handling trade union matters, retrenchment and termination of employment exercises, along with other areas. Jonathan Yuen heads the employment disputes team having an extensive background in representing employers and c-suite executives in major cases, including defending corporates and financial institutions against headline discrimination claims; he is also rated for employment investigations. Ang Tze Phern is also highly rated by clients for contentious matters and disputes. Murali Pillai SC has left the firm.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Attentive and available.’
‘The team is solution-focused and combines excellent legal advice with practical and strategic advice to provide the best guidance for clients.’
‘Ang Tze Phern has an excellent command of the law and a highly strategic mind, and is able to craft good solutions to multi-faceted legal problems involving various non-legal considerations.’
‘Ang Tze Phern is a safe pair of hands and very sensible.’
‘Jonathan Yuen and team is knowledgeable and well respected for this area of law. And he provides very sound advice which demonstrates strength in their knowledge.’
‘Jonathan Yuen provides good advice and also provides a different perspective on the matter, including practical solutions. Overall, he demonstrates strong professionalism.’
Key clients
- Standard Chartered Bank (Singapore)
- Fullerton Healthcare Group
- Bank Pictet & Cie
- Zuellig Pharma
- Gaw Capital
- Resorts World Sentosa
- InterContinental Hotel Group
- Marriott International Group
- Visa Worldwide International
Work highlights
Acting for a top international investment bank in successfully striking out an approximately S$4 million claim for discrimination, breach of employment contract, defamation and loss of income claim from an ex-employee and subsequently successfully defending against the appeal.
Advised Fullerton Healthcare Group, valued at S$1.5 billion in end 2022, on a complex workplace investigation involving alleged corruption and multi-jurisdictional money-laundering scheme.
Advised and acted for Standard Chartered Bank in defending and striking out a claim brought by an ex-employee for breach of duty of care and contract in relation to serious allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct involving senior bank employees.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Desmond Wee; Jonathan Yuen
Other key lawyers
Ang Tze Phern